Another of the goddesses of sovereignty was Cailleach. Cailleach in Gaelic means “veiled,” a reference to the habitual garb of an old woman. There are numerous appellations to the name Cailleach, such as Cailleach Bheara (Cailleach of Bheare, Scotland). This suggests that the name “Cailleach” may have been a nickname of sorts applied to local sovereignty goddesses.

The Cailleach is similar to goddesses like the Morrigan in many ways. She is connected with lakes and streams, and appears to have also been a goddess of sovereignty. Like the Morrigan, she appears in many stories attempting to seduce the hero, only the scenario is reversed, and Cailleach retains her haglike appearance. Like the other goddesses of sovereignty, Cailleachs are strongly associated with waterways, and she is said to be the source of many rivers and streams, as well as the guardian of wells.

The Loathly Lady

There are many instances in myth tales wherein the hero is challenged to kiss or even marry a hideous old hag, who is but a goddess in disguise. The courageous man is rewarded when she suddenly transforms into a beautiful maiden. Such is the story of Niall, son of Eochaid, who is named the rightful high king after daring to embrace the hag who taunts him from her well. This story, too, is carried over into Arthurian lore. In the tale of Peredur and other Arthurian romances, the knight Gawain, in order to save the life of the king, must marry a foul hag. Gawain, however, accepts his fate with good cheer, only to find his acceptance has broken a spell and his hideous wife is transformed into a beauty without parallel. In these tales, the “loathly lady” represents the goddess as sovereignty and all the responsibilities it entails.

Cerridwen

Another goddess who varied in aspect from maiden to crone was the Welsh Cerridwen, an enchantress who lived under a lake. Cerridwen's name is from roots meaning “fair poetry,” and Cerridwen is a patron of poets and poetry. Cerridwen is also mother to the renowned bard Taliesin. Cerridwen was a trickster of sorts who took the appearance of a hag or a maiden, depending on her purpose, and who also had the power to shapeshift. She was the keeper of the cauldron of poetic inspiration, but guarded it jealously.